The desert lake experience

In the 1960’s a massive dam was built on the Nile river at Aswan, the resulting Lake Naser flooded over 6,200 sq. km. of southern Egypt creating one of the world’s largest manmade lakes, a vast body of fresh water in the middle of the largest and driest desert on our planet.

On Lake Nasser seven cruise ships transport thousands of tourists to visit the world famous temples of Ramses at Abu Simbel. They cruise down the middle of the lake only visiting the temple sites on the lakes shoreline.

Our small boat cruise offers a unique alternative to stereotype cruise ships, we cater for the individual not mass tourism. You will get a close up experience of not only the temple sites and Abu Simbel, but also the amazing Sahara deserts panorama, nomads, birds and wildlife which inhabit the shoreline.

HOW A SMALL BOAT CRUISE WORKS

Our system of having an independent Mother Ship taking care of catering and recreation is unique on Lake Nasser. Explore the desert lake in your own House Boat escorted by an experienced guide then to relax and have your meals, join in the social atmosphere of a well-appointed Mother Ship.

Cruise ships, both big and small, are too cumbersome to manoeuvre in shallower water where all the action is. House Boats are perfect for getting a close-up experience of the desert’s panorama, its biodiversity and to meet the desert nomads who inhabit the shoreline of the lake.

You will be looked after by a professional team of Nubians, most of our cruise staff and guides have been with us for 16 years or longer. Before Lake Nasser flooded this area it was the homland of the Nubian people who were moved North into Egypt or South into Sudan

For more information about how a small boat cruise works see tab in left panel Boats & Crew

‘’The kind of hospitality shown by Tim and his guides is seldom seen these days and the atmosphere was incredibly friendly" Steve Pitts

There is a lot to see and do; in many ways, it’s like visiting a game park which you explore with your House Boat.

A small boat cruise is comparable to a traditional African safari where cross country vehicles are used for game viewing, while support trucks carrying a luxury camp and safari staff go on ahead. Our cruises are similar, using first class boats instead of land vehicles.

We are a small professional family business who in 1993 had the privilege of being the first to pioneer small boat safaris on Lake Nasser. For over 20 years we specialize exclusively on Lake Nasser and have unparalleled experience of this amazing desert lake.